Dismantling TBM1 Elizabeth

Sydney Metro tunnel cross section

Sydney Metro tunnel cross section

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Our tunnel boring machines

Five TBMs are being used to deliver the tunnels between Chatswood and Sydenham for Sydney Metro City & Southwest. This includes a specialised TBM for the section under Sydney Harbour because of the ground and rock conditions found at the bottom of the harbour.

Four mega tunnel boring machines (TBMs) built the twin tunnels on Sydney Metro Northwest. This was the first time in Australian history four TBMs were used on the one transport infrastructure project.

Naming the TBMs

On major tunnelling projects around the world, underground workers look to Saint Barbara for protection. Because of this, machines that work underground are traditionally given female names.

TBM3 Isabelle was named after four-year old Isabelle Andersen by tunnel builders CPB John Holland Dragados. Isabelle represented the families of the tunnelling workers.

TBM4 Maria was named after 19th century Aboriginal rights advocate Maria Lock.

TBM4 Maria was named after 19th century Aboriginal rights advocate Maria Lock.

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Tunnel safety

Safety of customers is the number one priority. Tunnel safety measures include cross passages linking the twin tunnels and constant camera coverage. To find out more about tunnel safety in the Sydney Metro Northwest tunnels.

Twin tunnels: designed and built specifically for Sydney’s new metro railway